If your freezer won’t freeze, you’re not just dealing with thawed ice cream-you’re risking spoiled food, wasted money, and maybe even a full fridge breakdown. This isn’t a "wait and see" situation. Freezers that stop cooling usually have a clear, fixable cause. But how much will it actually cost? The answer ranges from $50 to $800, depending on what’s broken and how old your unit is.
Why Your Freezer Stops Freezing
A freezer that won’t freeze isn’t broken because it’s "just old." It’s failing because one of five key parts has given out. The most common culprits:
- Condenser coils covered in dust or pet hair - this blocks heat from escaping, making the compressor work harder until it overheats.
- Evaporator fan that’s stuck or noisy - this fan circulates cold air inside the freezer. If it stops, the cold air doesn’t move.
- Thermostat that’s misreading temperature - it thinks the freezer is cold enough when it’s not.
- Start relay on the compressor - this tiny part tells the compressor when to turn on. If it fails, the compressor won’t start, even if it’s still good.
- Compressor itself - the heart of the system. If it’s dead, the freezer has no way to make cold.
Most of these aren’t mysterious failures. Dust buildup on coils is the #1 reason homeowners call for help. In Hamilton, where winters are harsh and homes are tightly sealed, dust and pet dander get sucked into appliance vents constantly. A vacuum and brush can fix this in 15 minutes - if you know where to look.
Cost Breakdown: Parts and Labor
Here’s what you’re likely to pay in 2025 for common freezer repair issues, based on local service rates in Southern Ontario:
| Problem | Part Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dirty condenser coils (cleaning only) | $0 | $75-$120 | $75-$120 |
| Evaporator fan replacement | $50-$120 | $80-$150 | $130-$270 |
| Thermostat replacement | $30-$70 | $70-$120 | $100-$190 |
| Start relay replacement | $15-$40 | $80-$130 | $95-$170 |
| Compressor replacement | $300-$600 | $200-$300 | $500-$800 |
Notice something? The cheapest fixes are often the most common. Cleaning coils or replacing a start relay might cost less than a pizza delivery. But if the compressor is dead, you’re looking at nearly half the price of a new freezer.
When Repair Makes Sense - and When It Doesn’t
There’s a rule of thumb used by most appliance techs: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new unit, walk away.
A basic chest freezer costs $400-$600 new. A side-by-side freezer drawer unit runs $800-$1,200. So if your freezer is 8+ years old and needs a $550 compressor, it’s not worth fixing. You’re throwing money into an aging machine that’s likely to break again soon.
But if your freezer is under 5 years old, and the fix is under $200, go ahead. Modern freezers are built with better insulation, quieter compressors, and smarter defrost systems. You’re not just saving money-you’re saving time, energy, and food.
Also consider warranty. If your freezer is still under manufacturer warranty (some last up to 10 years on the compressor), get it fixed for free. Check your paperwork. Many people don’t realize they’re still covered.
DIY Fixes You Can Try First
Before you call a technician, try these three things. They fix 40% of "freezer not freezing" calls:
- Unplug the freezer for 5 minutes - this resets the control board. Plug it back in and wait 24 hours. Sometimes, a glitch causes the system to lock up.
- Check the temperature setting - someone might’ve accidentally turned it to "0" or "off." Make sure it’s set to 0°F or lower.
- Clean the condenser coils - pull the freezer away from the wall. Look for a metal grid at the back or bottom. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust. Do this every 6 months - it’s the #1 thing that extends freezer life.
If the freezer still doesn’t cool after trying these, don’t keep guessing. Call a pro. Running a freezer that won’t freeze wastes electricity and can overload your home’s circuit.
What to Ask a Repair Technician
When you call a repair service, don’t just say, "My freezer isn’t freezing." Be specific:
- "Does the compressor run at all?" - If it hums loudly but doesn’t cool, it’s likely the start relay or capacitor.
- "Is there frost buildup inside?" - Heavy frost means the defrost heater is broken.
- "Is the freezer warm but the fridge still cold?" - That points to a damper or airflow issue between compartments.
Ask for a diagnostic fee upfront. Reputable techs charge $50-$80 to come out and diagnose - but they’ll waive it if you hire them for the repair. Avoid companies that charge just to show up without offering a discount.
Also ask: "Do you carry the part on your truck?" Many techs order parts and come back in 3-5 days. That means two trips, two service fees. A good technician shows up with common parts in stock - evaporator fans, thermostats, relays.
How to Avoid This Problem Next Time
Prevention is cheaper than repair. Here’s what actually works:
- Keep coils clean - vacuum them every 6 months.
- Don’t overload the freezer - air needs to circulate. Leave 2 inches of space around items.
- Check the door seal monthly - if you can pull a dollar bill out easily when the door is closed, the seal is worn and needs replacing ($15 part, 10-minute job).
- Don’t set the temperature below -18°C - colder settings don’t preserve food better, they just wear out the compressor faster.
- Use a freezer thermometer - you can buy one for $8. It tells you if the actual temperature matches the dial.
These habits can double your freezer’s lifespan. In Hamilton, where winter power surges are common, a well-maintained freezer lasts 12-15 years. A neglected one? 5-7.
Is It Time for a New Freezer?
If your freezer is older than 10 years, and you’re spending more than $200 on repairs, consider replacing it. New models are 30-40% more energy efficient than those from 2015. That’s $50-$80 saved per year on electricity.
Look for ENERGY STAR® certified units. They use less power, have better temperature control, and often come with a 10-year compressor warranty. Brands like LG, GE, and Frigidaire have reliable budget models under $600.
Don’t wait until your food spoils. If you’re unsure, take a photo of your freezer’s model number and call a local repair shop. Most offer free phone estimates. They’ll tell you if it’s worth fixing - no pressure.
Why is my freezer cold but not freezing?
If your freezer feels cold but food isn’t frozen, the evaporator fan or thermostat is likely failing. The compressor may be running, but cold air isn’t circulating properly. Check for frost buildup on the back wall - heavy frost means the defrost system isn’t working. A technician can test the fan motor and thermostat with a multimeter to confirm.
Can a dirty freezer cause it not to freeze?
Yes. Dust on the condenser coils acts like a blanket, trapping heat. This forces the compressor to overwork and eventually shut down to avoid damage. In homes with pets or dusty environments, this is the #1 cause of cooling failure. Cleaning the coils often fixes the issue without any part replacements.
How long does a freezer compressor last?
A well-maintained compressor lasts 10-15 years. If your freezer is under 8 years old and the compressor fails, it’s likely due to a power surge, dirty coils, or a faulty start relay. Replacing the compressor is expensive - often more than half the cost of a new freezer. Consider replacement if the unit is older than 10 years.
Is it worth repairing a 12-year-old freezer?
Generally, no. A 12-year-old freezer is past its prime. Even if a $200 repair fixes it now, other parts are likely to fail soon. New freezers use 40% less energy, have better temperature control, and come with longer warranties. You’ll save money over time by replacing it.
How much does it cost to replace a freezer door seal?
A new door seal (gasket) costs $15-$40 depending on the model. Installation is simple - most people do it themselves in under 15 minutes. You just peel off the old seal and snap the new one in. A worn seal lets cold air out, forcing the compressor to run constantly. Replacing it can restore cooling and cut your electricity bill.
Next Steps: What to Do Right Now
Here’s your action plan:
- Unplug the freezer for 5 minutes. Plug it back in. Wait 24 hours.
- Check the temperature setting. Make sure it’s at 0°F or lower.
- Locate the condenser coils. Vacuum them thoroughly.
- Test the door seal. Close a dollar bill in the door. If it slides out easily, replace the gasket.
- If none of that works, call a local repair service. Ask if they offer a diagnostic fee waiver with repair.
Don’t wait until your food spoils. A freezer that won’t freeze is a ticking clock. Fix it early, or replace it smartly. Either way, act now - before the holidays make it harder to find help.
